What BMW Models Have A V12 Engine?

BMW’s iconic V12 engines have powered some of the most exclusive and coveted vehicles the German automaker has ever produced. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the BMW models gifted with these remarkable powerplants over the past 30+ years.

BMW Introduction

Since 1987, BMW has been hand-crafting breathtaking twelve-cylinder motors for its upper echelon vehicles. These flagship engines blend immense power with silky smooth delivery, making them the perfect match for large luxury sedans and sports cars alike.

Over multiple generations, displacement, forced induction, and cutting-edge technology have extracted ever-greater performance from BMW’s V12 architecture. From the very first 750i to today’s monster BMW M760i rocket ship, these motors redefined what was possible from a production engine.

So which coveted BMW models have had the privilege of carrying a BMW V12 under their long hoods? Let’s start from the beginning and run through over three decades of twelve-cylinder history.

BMW’s First V12 – The M70 (1987-1996)

BMW’s inaugural V12, the M70, arrived in 1987 sporting 5.0 liters of displacement. Essentially a pair of 2.5-liter inline-6 engines joined at 60 degrees, the all-alloy M70 brought serious luxury cred to BMW’s new E32-generation 7 Series.

295 horsepower, 332 lb-ft torque (M70B50)
Later enlarged to 5.6 liters for 850CSi (375 hp, 406 lb-ft)
Complex design required two engine control units
Models equipped: E32 750i, E31 850CSi

This sophisticated motor transformed the 750i into BMW’s flagship model in America. And the high-revving version powering the stunning 850CSi sports car still stands as one of BMW’s all-time great engines.

The Refined M73 V12 (1993-2002)

Debuting in 1993, the M73 V12 improved upon the M70 formula in a few key ways:

Displacement bumped up to 5.4 liters
Single ECU to control the engine
322 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque
Models equipped: E38 750i, Rolls-Royce

This elegant motor continued providing thrust for the range-topping 7 Series, while also making its way into Rolls-Royce’s lineup. Variable valve timing later joined the party in 1999 to keep pace with tightening emissions.

Advanced Technology in the N73 (2003-2016)

2003’s all-new N73 brought BMW’s V12 roaring into the 21st century. It featured:

BMW’s first direct injected V12 motor
Double VANOS and Valvetronic variable intake
Displacements: 6.0L and 6.75L versions
439 hp / 443 lb-ft (6.0L)
Used in E65/E66 7 Series, Rolls-Royce Phantom

By incorporating technologies like direct injection and Valvetronic intake control, the N73 V12 vaulted forward in both performance and efficiency. These cutting-edge motors powered the controversial Bangle-era 7 Series models along with the imposing Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The Current N74 Twin-Turbo V12 (2008-Present)

In production since 2008, BMW’s current N74 V12 has topped 600 horsepower thanks to forced induction:

Move from natural aspiration to twin turbos
Displacements ranging 6.0L to 6.6L
Paired with first 8-speed automatic transmission
600+ horsepower in M760i, 624 hp in Rolls-Royce
Models equipped: F01/F02/G11/G12 7 Series, Rolls-Royce

Adding two turbochargers has let BMW extract supercar-worthy numbers from its range-topping twelve-cylinder. Today’s N74 sees duty motivating the leviathan BMW M760i xDrive sedan, along with silent but deadly Rollers like the Phantom and Cullinan.

The Legendary McLaren F1 V12

No recounting of BMW’s V12 history would be complete without the legendary S70/2. This masterpiece of engineering powered the iconic McLaren F1 supercar to 240+ mph speeds in the 1990s:

Commissioned by McLaren Cars in 1991
Unique design based on M70 architecture
Extremely high-performance naturally aspirated V12
618 horsepower at 7400 rpm, 479 lb-ft torque
Main force behind F1’s world-beating performance

The S70/2 wasn’t just a barely-tamed racing motor. Its cultured roar and eager power delivery made it a tractable force on the street as well. Yet its race-bred bones allowed the F1 to set lap records for years to come.

The End of an Era?

With emissions regulations tightening and BEVs on the rise, the curtain may soon fall on BMW’s incredible V12 dynasty. The recent M760i “Final V12” special edition is likely the last of its kind.

However, thanks the to less-stringent standards for ultra-luxury vehicles, Rolls-Royce will keep V12 power alive for the foreseeable future. So the iconic 6.75-liter twin-turbo twelve isn’t going extinct just yet.

BMW V12 engines have been an integral part of the company’s brand identity in flagship vehicles for over 30 years now. The 750iL, 8 Series, McLaren F1, 760Li and Rolls-Royce Phantom are just some of the models which have proudly carried this twelve-cylinder badge of honor.

Conclusion

From the E32 750i to today’s fire-breathing M760i missile, BMW’s V12 engine has played a vital role for over three decades. These motors transformed already excellent luxury sedans into otherworldly machines bristling with power and presence. Plus, the iconic S70/2 will forever remain etched in history for its part in the legendary McLaren F1.

While the writing may be on the wall for BMW’s ultimate engine, its legacy is rock-solid. And Rolls-Royce models will continue utilizing updated versions of this legendary powerplant.

So when it comes to BMW models gifted with a V12 engine, some of the marque’s most coveted vehicles got a dozen cylinders under their long hoods. These iconic motors redefined automotive luxury benchmarks for over 30 years.